The reason I ask is I helped set one up yesterday - and we had to choose what to play first to test it out.
For the record we went with shine on you crazy diamond from wish you were here with the quiet opening and punch when the rest of the band kicks in. Sounded great.
and then just let the rest of the album play through
Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden / first track
Edit: loud
Shaggy - Angel. I don’t even like the song that much but the mixing engineer really did his job on this one. The mix is outstanding.
But more important is that you play a song you know well so you know how it should sound.
Everybody’s Talkin’ by Harry Nilsson
Tough question…
If I want to test it out it might be something like Tipper.
But, in reality, it would probably be something from my favourite album pile like NIN, Squarepusher, Allman Brothers, Four Tet, Caribou or something from the 90s.
I always use Skinny Puppy’s ‘Jahya’ of the ‘The Process’ album to check new audio installations.
I know exactly how that track is supposed to sound. From the panning between speakers to the EQ levels.
Something will silly bass to give it a workout. Maybe techno or dub. DJ Muggs, Green Velvet, Lee Perry, Aphex Twin kind thing.
I’d save Albert Ayler & Diamanda Galas until it’s broken in a bit.
You go for the bass. Me, I’m thinking Hallelujah, the Buckley cover.
You’ve lost me on the Buckley thing. Cohen first, then Cale…then maybe if we have time Buckley.
Yes, Aphex Twin - Collapse was going to be my answer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQp7RHrTbCA&list=PLn8nVirng2kzAAWwAGqi38QWSdRK7CWhV
Time to mention Jon Cater
I’m going with “Change of The Guard” by Kamasi Washington because it’s amazing. “ The Leper Affinity “ by opeth is a close second.
Atlas Air by Massive Attack. Really check you have that sub cut over in the sweet spot.
I usually play Enigma’s first album, because I use it as reference recording to get everything set up. Either that of “Cherish The Day” by Sade. After that, maybe something by Om. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKqoNrZ00Bg
Leaving Hope by Nine Inch Nails
I got into the LP game late, and the first record I bought and played was Metallica’s Master of Puppets. Still think it was a good choice.
A Milli
Beethoven’s 7th followed by something dancey like LCD Soundsystem or Late of the Pier. Those are the records I own that I think sound the best.
Dance Yrself Clean by LCD Soundsystem would be my choice.